Congressional Black Caucus Walks out on Contempt Vote

Yesterday, the Congressional Black Caucus released a letter stating they would walk out of the contempt vote against Attorney General Holder. Mr. Holder and the Department of Justice have not complied with the October 2011 subpoena and will not turn over thousands of documents pertaining to Operation Fast and Furious.

“The Republican Leadership has articulated no legislative purpose forpursuing this course of action,” they wrote. “For these reasons we cannot and will not participate in a voteto hold the Attorney General in contempt. We adamantly oppose thispartisan attack and refuse to participate in any vote that would tarnishthe image of Congress or of an Attorney General who has done nothingbut work tirelessly to protect the rights of the American people.”

Instead of voting on Thursday, the members of the CBC walked out of the Chamber of Congress. Joining them were Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer.

However, Congress did vote to hold Mr. Holder in contempt of Congress: 255 Yays, 67 Nays, and 1 Present. 109 legislators did not vote.